8 Reasons Howth, Ireland, Is the Perfect Day Trip From Dublin

Dublin is an interesting and fun city to visit for a few days. Beyond that, there is typically some heavy drinking involved. Fortunately, our article today focuses on an incredible day trip from the city that is guaranteed to elevate your senses, allow you to breathe in the fresh sea air of Dublin Bay, and even take a hike along the high cliffs.

Howth, Ireland, boasts a rich maritime history and remains a thriving fishing village to this day. While it is also a desirable affluent suburb of Dublin, the town has managed to retain its charm and natural surroundings.

Additionally, the town is easily accessible, making it a great addition to your next trip to Dublin.

Here are all the reasons to add Howth, Ireland, to your travel list.

1. It’s Easy To Travel to Dublin From the U.S.

While we’re here to talk about Howth, Ireland, Dublin is the perfect base for exploring the coastal town. And, fortunately, Dublin is one of the easiest cities in Europe to travel to using points and miles.

A typical one-way business class flight to Dublin (DUB) on American Airlines from New York City (JFK), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and Chicago (ORD) airports can be purchased for 45,000 Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points. From Los Angeles (LAX), expect to pay around 65,000 Atmos Rewards points.

Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards is a transfer partner of Bilt Rewards. Points earned on the Bilt Mastercard (rates & fees) can be transferred 1:1 almost instantly.

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The information regarding the Bilt Mastercard was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

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Never before has there been a credit card built specifically with renters in mind. Enter the Bilt Mastercard, designed specifically to help renters earn rewards on their rent payments with no transaction fees.

Of course, aside from rewards on rent, there are many other solid features that the card offers that add extra value to cardholders. In this guide, we provide a complete breakdown of everything the Bilt Card has to offer to help you decide whether the card makes sense for you.

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• 3x points per $1 on dining
• 2x points per $1 on travel
• 1x point per $1 on rent payments, without a transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year (plus all other eligible purchases)

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• Does not offer a welcome bonus
• Must use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points

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• $0 Annual Fee
• Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
• Earns 3x points on dining, 2x on travel, and 1x on other purchases
• Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
• Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
• Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
• Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
• Other features and benefits include: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Purchase Security, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, Cellular Telephone Protection, and Trip Delay Reimbursement
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2. You Can Book Dublin Lodging Using Hotel Loyalty Points

It’s always beneficial to find lodging that you can book using hotel loyalty points, and Dublin is a city rich in options.

Regardless of your preferred hotel brand, Dublin offers a hotel property that you can book using your hotel loyalty points.

All major hotel brands have properties in and around Dublin’s city center. You can book lodging with Marriott Bonvoy (3 properties), Hilton Honors (7 properties), World of Hyatt (4 properties), and IHG One Rewards (4 properties). It’s an easy commute to Howth regardless of where you stay in Dublin.

Having a hotel-branded credit card can help you earn free hotel nights and provide elite benefits. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card are fine examples of hotel-branded cards that can accelerate earning and make your stay more comfortable.

3. Traveling From Dublin to Howth Is Easy

Traveling to Howth from Dublin’s city center is a breeze, making it the perfect day trip from the capital. At most, it takes 45 minutes to travel there.

Here are some options for your journey to Howth.

• Take the Dublin Area Rapid Transit train direct from Dublin Pearse railway station. The journey takes about 35 minutes and costs less than $10 round-trip.
• Buses depart from central Dublin every 15 to 30 minutes and take approximately 45 minutes to reach Howth. The cost is about $8 round-trip.
• A taxi takes about 20 minutes and costs around $40 each way. The distance and price are approximately the same whether you depart from Dublin city center or Dublin Airport.

4. Howth Market Is Friendly and Fun

Start your day in Howth at Howth Market. It’s where to stop for a cup of coffee and have a great conversation with a stranger. You’re sure to meet like-minded travelers there.

The market is on the main street of Howth and features 4 permanent shops, including a coffee shop, a deli, a wood handicrafts shop, and a gift shop. On weekends and holidays, as many as 25 vendors sell a wide range of wares and tasty foods. The market is quieter during the week, but it is still worth a visit.

Continue by strolling down the main street, where you’ll find pubs, eateries, boutique shops, gelato, and more.

5. Hiking the High Cliff Trails Is Breathtaking

The high-cliff hiking trails are reason enough to visit Howth. The scenery is spectacular, and the hike can be as strenuous or as easy as you prefer.

You can begin the Howth Cliff Path Loop from the DART train station. It is a moderate hike of approximately 5 miles and takes 2 hours or more, depending on how many times you stop for breaks to enjoy the views.

There are several scenic routes. The longest cliff walk is approximately 10 1/2 miles, which can take around 5 hours to complete. The area is truly a haven for anyone looking to escape into the fresh air and take in the stunning views.

To learn more about the hiking paths around Howth, this article provides in-depth details and can serve as a valuable resource for research before your visit.

6. Howth Harbor Makes the Most of Its Access to the Sea

Howth is a working fishing village with a lot of activity in and around the harbor.

Walk around the harbor and its surrounding pier to the historic Howth lighthouse. You can also take a boat tour for less than $20 to see the Howth cliffs and lighthouses (up close). The boat departs from Howth Harbor, and the tour lasts approximately an hour.

Taking a boat to visit the Ireland’s Eye island bird sanctuary is another seaborne option.

7. Fresh Seafood Is Delicious

You won’t find fresher seafood than in Howth. It’s delivered directly from the boats to the fish markets and restaurants, so you can be sure your catch hasn’t been long out of the water.

If you ask a local where to eat, they’ll tell you there’s no bad restaurant in Howth. Find a spot that fits your vibe and expect a good meal. If it’s a nice day, purchase takeaway fish and chips and head to the harbor for a picnic. But watch out for the hungry seagulls.

Octopussy is a good choice for seafood tapas.

Popular local dishes to try in Howth include seafood chowder, oysters, cockles, bay prawns, mussels, and monkfish. Fish and chips is one of the most popular meals, and nearly every restaurant serves it. However, any seafood you order will be of high quality and delicious.

8. History Comes Alive

After visiting the Howth lighthouse, it’s a short walk to the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey. Initially built in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 13th century, the ruins are a bit eerie but worth visiting.

If you like vintage vehicles, head over to the National Transport Museum, where you’ll find a colorful collection of antique fire engines, trams, buses, and more. Ye Olde Hurdy-Gurdy Museum of Vintage Radio, in Howth’s Martello Tower, is also worthwhile. It features a vast array of vintage communication devices, including gramophones, crystal sets, and early TVs.

Final Thoughts

When you’re ready to escape the city, Howth is the perfect town to visit. It’s an easy journey, and you’ll enjoy your time there immensely.

You can easily plan your own trip to Howth, but a tour is also a good way to relax and let someone else handle the logistics. Either way, you won’t spend a fortune but are sure to have a good experience.